This Pork Shoulder in a Crock Pot is a warm and hearty dish that’s super easy to make. Just toss your pork with some spices, add a little broth, and let it cook low and slow until it’s perfectly tender.
The best part? Your house will smell amazing! I love serving it with rice or juicy buns. Ready for some delicious leftovers? Because you’ll definitely have some! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful. If you can’t find it, you can use pork butt or even a pork loin, but those may need careful cooking to avoid drying out.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps with browning. If you want a different taste, try avocado oil or vegetable oil since they have high smoke points.
Spices: The mix of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder is essential for flavor. If you prefer a kick, try adding cayenne pepper or chili powder. For a milder option, use Italian seasoning instead.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This ingredient adds tanginess. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or lemon juice work well as substitutes.
Brown Sugar or Honey: This is optional for sweetness. If you’re watching your sugar, consider adding a splash of maple syrup or keep it out completely for a savory flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Pork Shoulder is Tender and Flavorful?
Slow cooking allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Trim excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Mix and rub the spices on the pork to infuse flavor; letting it rest for an hour before cooking can enhance the taste too.
- Searing the meat is optional but recommended. It adds a rich flavor and appealing color.
- Cook it low and slow for 8-10 hours, which allows tough collagen to break down, making it fork-tender.
- Let the pork rest after cooking before shredding. This keeps the juices in!
How to Make Pork Shoulder in a Crock Pot?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked or regular)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- Optional: 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey for sweetness
- Optional: BBQ sauce for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pork shoulder recipe will take about 15-20 minutes to prepare. You will need to cook it in the crock pot for 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high. The result is tender, flavorful pork that’s perfect for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork:
Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder. This helps keep your dish from being too greasy. Pat the pork shoulder dry with a paper towel.
2. Make the Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use your hands to rub this spice mix all over the pork shoulder, coating it evenly for maximum flavor.
3. Sear the Meat (Optional):
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully add the pork shoulder and sear it on all sides until it’s nicely browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). This step is optional but adds an extra layer of flavor to the meat!
4. Set Up the Crock Pot:
Transfer the seared pork shoulder to the crock pot. Pour the chicken broth (or water) and apple cider vinegar around the meat. If you’re using brown sugar or honey for some sweetness, add it in now as well.
5. Cook the Pork:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the meat is fork-tender and shreds easily.
6. Shred the Pork:
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes, then shred the meat using two forks. It should fall apart with little effort!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
If you like, strain the cooking liquid to remove any solids and use some of it to moisten your shredded pork. Alternatively, you can serve the pulled pork with BBQ sauce. Enjoy it on sandwich buns, in tacos, or with your favorite sides!
And that’s it! Enjoy your deliciously tender pork shoulder made in the crock pot!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! Although pork shoulder (or pork butt) is ideal for slow cooking, you can use alternatives like pork loin or even beef chuck roast. Just note that cooking times may vary: pork loin is leaner and cooks faster, while beef chuck will require a similar time to become tender.
Can I Cook This Recipe Without Searing the Pork?
Yes, you can skip the searing step if you’re short on time. While searing adds extra flavor and depth, the slow cooking will still yield tender and tasty pork. Just coat the pork with the spice mix and place it directly in the crock pot!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any pulled pork leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the meat for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of cooking liquid if it seems dry.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Definitely! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of paprika and garlic powder. For more heat, add crushed red pepper or cayenne pepper to the spice mix. Just adjust to your taste preferences for the perfect kick!
